Ryan ChartrandIn 1937, students formed the first Cal Poly student government association. Now, more than 68 years later, ASI is still with students every step of the way developing programs and services, supporting clubs and organizations, providing facilities and recreational opportunities and advocating the student perspective on campus, in the community and beyond.
You’ve probably seen the Experience ASI window paintings, postcards, magnets and brochures and may have found yourself wondering, “Experience what?” Well, wonder no more.
ASI is a non-profit corporation committed to being every student’s connection to the ultimate college experience. ASI offers countless ways to get involved, here are just a few.
Joining student government will help you gain leadership skills in addition to getting involved on the campus, state and national levels. Student government has provided a strong student voice in issues ranging from sustainability to women’s respect and safety to improved transportation services.
ASI Lobby Corps advocates the student perspective to our elected officials in their San Luis Obispo and Sacramento offices pushing for increased funding for the CSU, increased financial aid for those in need and the preservation of important outreach and recruitment programs.
The ASI Board of Directors has increased club co-sponsorship funding and created a grant funding program to support Student Life & Leadership programs, Homecoming and the ASI Sport Club Council. This board is the governing authority of ASI and they also serve as the official voice of Cal Poly students on all student issues.
The executive staff is working hard to bring important programming to our campus and community. Most recently we’ve launched the “Best Seat in the House” program at Mustang athletic events where two spirited students are chosen to sit in comfy recliners and enjoy the game while being served free snacks and refreshments.
The University Union Advisory Board is developing plans to enhance the UU Plaza space with better access and improved furniture. They’ve also recently upgraded technology inside the UU by adding new and improved e-mail stations.
If none of these opportunities sound interesting, you can always get involved with Cal Poly clubs which work directly with the ASI Epicenter for facilities reservations, club chartering and co-sponsorship funding.
ASI also offers professional opportunities to more than 400 students each year with positions ranging from front desk assistants to children’s center classroom assistants to student managers responsible for organizing an entire team of student staff.
If that’s not enough, students are encouraged to participate in all of ASI’s programs and services designed to shape the ultimate college experience. Here is a peek at what ASI offers:
Quarterly fitness classes at the Cal Poly Rec Center
Free movies every Tuesday in Chumash (through Feb. 21)
Quarterly craft classes at the ASI Craft Center
Weekly outdoor adventures with ASI Poly Escapes
Popular performances at UU Hour and the Rec Center thanks to ASI Events
Preparations for the Cal Poly Rose Float in the Rose Parade
There’s no short way to explain what ASI is and does, but it is important that students know that ASI is here “For the Students, By the Students.” Now that you know what ASI is all about, don’t hesitate to get out and Experience ASI!
Tylor Middlestadt is the ASI President and Mustang Daily columnist who encourages students to Experience ASI and can be reached at tmiddles@calpoly.edu, 756.5828, AIM: CPASI President